Rail forum bid to help suicide witnesses

AUSTRALIA'S rail operators, including V/Line and Metro, will meet next month for a ground-breaking forum on rail trauma.

Australasian Railway Association chief executive Bryan Nye said the industry recognised train drivers needed more help to cope with the devastating impact of witnessing deaths and serious accidents.

Mr Nye said the meeting, to be held in Brisbane, was the first of its kind in the world and would bring together rail operators from across the country to report on the counselling they provide and how it can be improved.

''Some people will never get over it and never return to work. They're the silent victims and we've got to try to do something to help them,'' he said.

The Age has revealed that Victoria has the highest rate of rail deaths in the country, leaving drivers and other rail staff severely traumatised.

Mr Nye said operators would consider offering drivers peer-to-peer counselling, which is now available to Victorian police and paramedics.

Lifeline has already carried out research on behalf of the rail industry into suicide prevention strategies. Mr Nye said its report, which is yet to be made public, revealed there was plenty of data available on the number and type of rail deaths but little evidence of the best way to reduce them.

In Victoria, a government working party recommended five years ago that ''suicide-proofing measures'' - increased fencing, lighting and helplines - be trialled at a fatality black spot in Melbourne's east. The trial received funding but is yet to be carried out.

For help or information visit beyondblue.org.au, call Suicide Helpline Victoria on 1300 651 251, or Lifeline on 131 114.